ARS | Publication request: PARTICLE FILM TECHNOLOGOY: A NEW TOOL FOR GLASS-WINGED SHARPSHOOTER, SUNBURN, AND OTHER AG PROBLEMS

Submitted to: California Grower
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: November 1, 2001
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: California growers are confronted with many challenges while producing quality agricultural products. Among them are annual insect and mite infestations, plant sunburn, and heat stress which often have a compounded effect that leads to reduced fruit quality and yield. This article describes the current uses of particle film technology, known as Surround WP, as they apply to California crop production. Surround is currently being used to control glassy-winged sharpshooter and leafhoppers in grape in an attempt to reduce damage by Pierce's disease. Applications of Surround in citrus are primarily for prevention of sunburn on fruit al- though increases in yield have also been noted. Surround also has well- established uses in apple production to reduce sunburn on fruit and in pear production to control pear psylla. The multiple benefits of this technology can make Surround especially attractive to the California grower battling both hot climatic conditions and tough insect pests.